Priestley present Mr. Birling Essay Example For Students

Priestley present Mr. Birling Essay Look again at the engagement party at the beginning of the party, up to the point where the Inspector first enters. In what ways does Priestley present Mr. Birling to us here so that we are prepared for his attitudes and behaviour in the rest of the play? (Refer in detail to language and events) At the very start of the play, it has already showed that Authur Birling is in charge of everything, even the port they are drinking. Now then, Sybil, you must take a little tonight. He is the head of the family. He is a successful businessman. He is always looking forward that the two companies (belong to him and Geralds dad) will merge sometime in the future. and perhaps we may look forward to the time when Crofts and Birlings are no longer competing but are working together for lower costs and higher prices. He is confident that his success as he mentions that and I speak as a hard-headed business man, who has to take risks and know what hes about He is also confident that strikes and labour troubles will not be a problem. He says conflicts between workers and their bosses will come to nothing. Dont worry. Weve passed the worst of it. We employers at last are coming together to see that our interests and the interests of Capital are properly protected. However, in 1912, there was the Lawrence textile strike. He says technological progress will continue and gives the Titanic as an example. He says it is and unsinkable, absolutely unsinkable. However, the audience would have known that the Titanic had sunk. When Eric asks whether there is going to be a war. He says And to that I say fiddlesticks! The Germans dont want war. However, the audience also knows that two years later, there was World War One. These situations show that he is overconfident and a bit stupid. The play is set at a time of great change and great conflict. Everywhere workers are demanding more pay and better conditions. However, the Birlings and Crofts are owners and managers; they are not interested in equality or change. The world was changing, the bosses of the world needed to face up to their responsibilities. They could not just go on and on exploiting the workers. Mr. Birling thinks he can. a man has to make his own way He is a public figure in Brumley and is obsessed with his status in the community. You see, I was Lord Mayor here two years ago when Royalty visited us. And Ive always been regarded as a sound useful party man. So well I gather theres a very good chance of a knighthood Arthur Birlings life is all about money and power. He is trapped in a limited world where business is more important than people are and men in authority and business stick together to unite in making money. He is very traditional in his views. He always thinks of himself first and believes that is the only way to get through life. Priestley presents Mr. Birling to us in these ways before the Inspector first enters so that we are prepared for his attitudes and behaviour in the rest of the play.

International Relationships with Oil

Condoleezza Rice’s visit to Kazakhstan Visits by top United States officials to Kazakhstan elicited reactions from the Russian authorities that the west was trying to lure away its partners. However, this was dismissed by Rice, the US Secretary of State, during her visit with Kazakh foreign minister. Washington was seeing Kazakhstan’s economic potential in expanding the economic capability of central Asia.Advertising We will write a custom report sample on International Relationships with Oil specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Kazakhstan had tried to balance its international relations by being in good books with Russia apart from connecting with the west for expansion of oil exports. The war between Russia and Georgia prompted Moscow’s allies to reconsider their ties with both Russia and the west. Although there were a lot of expectations on Rice’s agenda as she visited Kazakhstan, no serious agreements were expected to be arrived at between the United States and Kazakhstan despite America having invested heavily in the Kazakhstan’s economy’s oil money. After Kazakhstan being appointed the chairman of the organization for security and Cooperation in Europe, international stakes were raised as far as democracy and human right dealings are concerned. During September 2010, South Korea reported its intentions to ban both oil and gas investments in Iran. This was a way of collaborating with the U.S, United Nations and other nations in placing sanctions on Iran due to its nuclear plan. South Korea further prohibited any other business transactions between it and Iran. This was despite Iran being one of the largest suppliers of oil to South Korea. Later on the Korean government announced that transactions not attributed to the Iranian nuclear program will go on as well as importation of oil. This was to lead to the paralysis of Iran’s bank Mellat that was said to hav e been involved in transactions entailing the development of the nuclear program. The transactions involving oil business between Iran and Korea were to be conducted via Iran’s central bank. With sanctions taking effect, both Hyundai and Kia Motors had to cease exportation of their products to Iran in July 2010. After some time, the Korean government stopped its engineering firms from winning orders in Iran as oil importing organizations were allowed to continue operating.Advertising Looking for report on international relations? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Apart from suspending bank Mellat’s financial transactions between Korea and Iran, it was further revealed that the bank was now required to be accountable to the Korean authority regarding each foreign transaction that it engaged in. this was to be enforced even after suspension was over. Israeli’s prime minister also recommended that the United Na tions and the world as a whole should not import refined petroleum from Iran as a way of sanctioning the former to prevent it from developing a nuclear program. The Israeli prime minister emphasized the need for the United States to lead other nations in hindering the success of Iran’s nuclear program. Tony Blair likened the current worries about development of a nuclear plant in Iran to the worries that led to eruption of war between Iraq and the United States. Israeli has pressured the US to impose sanctions that will disable Iran’s operations. However, the Obama administration responded saying that their intention was to put pressure on the Iran government and not the people. Israeli fears that the development of Iran’s nuclear weaponry may threaten the security of the region and has hinted military action if diplomacy does not seem to work. This is despite Iran’s claims that their program is geared towards increasing oil exports rather than engaging i n military. The EU and US sanctions against Iran thwarted plans by three Indian based companies to begin a gas based project in Iran. It was not possible to access both funding and US liquefaction technology to enable them move on with the project. The recently adopted UN Security Council Resolution prohibits sale of heavy weaponry to Iran but does not hamper investment in the country’s energy sector. The US sanctions on the other hand restricts a more than $20 million energy investment in Iran by a foreign nation. Iran – Africa Relationship In a two day Iran – African summit in Tehran, the Iranian president expressed optimism that the relationship between Africa and Iran was going to be strengthened have a lot in common. The summit was aimed at devising means of enlarging the political and economic relations between Iran and Africa.Advertising We will write a custom report sample on International Relationships with Oil specifically for you for on ly $16.05 $11/page Learn More Malawian president envisioned expedient developments between Iran and Africa that could lead to establishment of numerous Iranian firms in Africa. Iran has in the past invested in Senegal, Nigeria and Sudan. Whereas Iran opened a car assembly line in Senegal, plans are underway to help Nigeria generate electricity from nuclear energy. Iran shares strong ties with Sudan than any other African nation. This ranges from signing a military agreement between the two nations in 2008 to plans concerning opening a Saipa Motor factory in Sudan and its neighboring countries. In an attempt to both remain relevant in global issues and get over its alienation from the west, Iran works to concentrate on its ties with China besides Africa. Although China is reported to be in support of the UN sanctions towards Iran, the relationship between China and Iran is said to be motivated by China’s demand for oil and gas resources and Iran’s demand for the Chinese technology. Although, there have been calls from western governments urging China to cut its economic and energy relations with Iran, China has always dismissed this. EU’s further sanctions to Iran and reactions from other nations A move by Turkey and Brazil to vote against the UN Security Council’s fourth round of sanctions surprised the US in a move that seemed to be Iran’s new strategy of dealing with its isolation by the west. Despite opposition from Cyprus, Germany and Sweden, the EU calls for additional sanctions to those earlier agreed upon in New York. The sanctions prohibit new investment, technical aid, and movement of know how, equipment and services. The Iranian president dismissed them all. It is also reported that Spain was in full support of the new sanctions. After several months of diplomatic efforts for China to lower its stand on both the United Nations and European Union regarding Iran’s nuclear program, an agreement wa s reached with not only China, but also other nations that were previously opposed to it. After sometime, the sanctions had a negative economic impact on Iran although the Iranian president denied this reality.Advertising Looking for report on international relations? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More This not withstanding, Iran is known for exportation of oil but it imports gasoline. Plans are underway to reconfigure its industries to manufacture gasohol so as to benefit from the Washington market that is likely to be due as from July. Ecuador has been asking for donor support to help it protect its Yasuni jungle that is endowed with oil deposits. This aimed at not only combating global warming, but also preserving the Amazon. The funds were to be administered by the United Nations Development Program. Chile, Germany and Spain were expected to be among the first donors to respond. Incase the estimated amount ($ 100 million) is not raised by 2011, Ecuador reserves the right to refund the donors without interest as well as go ahead with its oil extraction plan. Contributions are aimed at enhancing conservation, reforestation and poverty reduction, fuel efficiency and creation of alternative energy sources. Changes in the global energy map Facts reveal that the top producers of oil in 2009 were Saudi Arabia, US, Russia, China and Iran while the United Arab Emirates, Nigeria, Russia, Saudi Arabia and Iran were the global leaders in oil exports. The world’s biggest deposits of oil sand are in Canada and Venezuela. The leading gas producers are Russia, Iran, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and United States. Trade in Liquefied Natural Gas has taken a global perspective with Australia expected to lead in exportation. As far as coal energy is concerned, China leads in production, America tops in reserves while Australia leads in exports. China-Russia Trade Relations Although China and Russia are to complete talks on gas supplies next year, the two have resolved to put up a $ 5 billion refinery in China. Majority of the supplies will be from Russia and the rest from Arab nations. Moreover, China is planning to collaborate more with Russia in areas like coal, gas, oil and nuclear energy. Additionally, Russia and China are swapping their bilateral trade roles. Previously, Russia sold raw materials, cars and machinery to China but is lately importing Chinese finished products as it sells raw materials to China. Under recently endorsed deals, China will be importing both oil and coal from Russia. There was a symbolic installation of pipeline between Russia and China which is expected to be effected from January 2011. It is also reported that Russia’s decision to focus on China may weaken its economic ties with Europe, a major consumer of Russian oil and gas. This may lead to disagreements on oil and gas prices. Other latest developments Bangladesh is planning to limit the entry of old Kuwait’s petrol vessels on safety and environmental grounds due to oil spillage. This happens despite Kuwait being the major supplier of oil to Bangladesh. Elsewhere, Inpex corp, a Japanese oil developing firm has decided to pull out from its development projects with Iran’s Azadegan oil field. The decision will cause Japan to reevaluate its energy p lan and resource diplomacy in the Middle East. The move meant that Inpex is not on the list of companies subject to the US sanctions. The decision was made by the Japanese government after Iran had directed more investment in the Azadegan project, yet this project was too risky. Russia is in the process of changing its economy from resource-based to innovation-oriented. It was reported that Russia and China have the potential to cooperate in both the energy sector and financial services. There has been an ongoing currency war for production of commodities such as gold and oil, among others. Occasionally, there have been diverse proposals on currency including Iran’s oil Bourse but in the long run, most commodities are traded in dollars. In a more recent incident, a new atmosphere has been created to encourage foreign industries and the private sector to invest in Iran’s economy. Russia has been the first to express interest in investing in Russia’s energy sector , infrastructural industry and air transport. Additionally, after several months of the US sanctions towards Iran have been in place, South Korea announced new mechanisms of resuming oil trade with Iran. The move was meant at allowing Iran to deposit proceeds from oil in two of South Korean banks: Woori bank and the Industrial bank of Korea. Conclusion Oil has affected international relations both positively and negatively. In the positive sense, China-Russia, and Iran-Africa ties have been strengthened but negatively, US-Iran, Kuwait-Bangladesh, US-China, and Korea-Iran ties, among many others have been weakened. Oil has also affected the political relations both within a nation and its relations with others. 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African American Women and Music

African American Women and Music The purpose of this report was for me to research and explore the connection between African American women and music. Since prior to the slave decades, music has been an integral part of African American society, and served as a form of social, economic, and emotional support in African American communities in the past and present. This paper will cover three different types of secular music that emerged during the slave days, through the civil war, reconstruction, and depression periods. They are blues, jazz, and gospel music. Each of these forms of music are still in existence today. In addition to exploring the history of each of these genres of music, this report will identify three African American female music legends, Bessie Smith, Emma Barrett, and Mahalia Jackson.Blues emerged in the period between the end of the civil war, and the beginning of the 20th century. Originating in the fields of the rural south, it became popular after the emancipation of the slaves.Portrait of Bessie SmithIn this form of music, the singer and composer is one in the same, a characteristic not evident in the spiritual songs of the slave communities. Spirituals were somewhat of a passage way for blues. Blues followed blacks to urban societies as spirituals followed the slaves onto the plantations. The differences between these types of music were that spirituals were collective, whereas an individual sang blues. Blues attributed to the evolution of black society toward individualism after the collective society of slavery. Blues became know as the music of the black working class. It was a way for African Americans to express the modern problems of economics, social errors, and poverty and power struggles they faced after they became free. African Americans were still living in unjust societies, where jobs were hard to find. They began...

INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS - Essay Example The regions that harbored this paradigm shift are the United States, Japan and Europe; which have been deemed as the Triad. After establishing a strong industrial base, many corporations in this region have expanded globally, particularly dispersing operations across the globe where economies of scale could be achieved in a cost-effective manner. A main feature of the past few decades has been the shift from labor intensive industries to capital intensive industries, consequently, labor activities have been shifted to less developed regions where labor cost is law and there is relatively less restraint posed by labor regulations. (Ohmae, K., 1983) While some scholars deem this transfer of functions as neo-colonialism, since most of the profits gained by virtue of these activities are diverted towards the operating MNE’s, our focus remains on the peculiar relation between multinational enterprises and small-medium enterprises that operate locally. Since Greenfield ventures are a rarity in the current sociopolitical environment, trade activities are spearheaded by focus on usage of factors of production, in particular, labor. Most of the major global corporations make use of ‘outsourcing’, delocalizing certain operational functions to push their costs down. This symbiotic relationship is possible due to particular philosophies that are distinct to the two major players here: MNEs have a focus on product innovation while local SMEs have a focus on process innovation. MNEs provide the financial and technological capital required, while SMEs facilitate production with an optimal production process. Inevitably, the SMEs, which are mostly situated in LDCs, are forced to specialize in the particular function that they are catering to. MNEs provide SMEs an opportunity they wouldn’t otherwise have in the form of markets that demand products requiring their services. It is usually the lack of local demand that inhibits many SMEs from growth and expansion. This notion is also supported by Porter’s diamond model, which suggests that in order for an industry to flourish in a national context, the local demand must be anticipatory of foreign demand. Since such is not the case in most LDCs, MNEs provide an opportunity for SMEs to expand and grow by increasing volumes of operation. Exposure to newer markets is also accompanied by the advent of newer technologies, capital and managerial skills.( Wright, R, W., & Russel, C, S., 1975) This in turn not only effects the SMEs in contact, but the local community involved as well in terms of employment. Ironically, the necessary technological capital required for SMEs is provided mainly from the Triad region. This obviously entails a certain monopolistic relation that is a feature of MNE-SME cooperation. What is deemed as an inequality, automatically translates to social indicators and economic factors as well. Some scholars label this relation as the dependency theory, which sta tes that countries within the core are capital intensive nations that are able to maintain this superiority using their vast accumulated capital which focuses on innovation and technology, while lesser important functions are transferred to the peripheries which provide the necessary labor and raw material for industries to operate but are not allowed to accelerate beyond that. Lack of knowledge transfer is

Public Finance Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4500 words

Public Finance - Assignment Example This deals with the cause that is behind the problem and assists the market in its efficient working; rather than substituting the market having complex propaganda involving too technical information, in other words unique service, a case for intervention in production and allocation of the service is highly possible. Synchronization problems may be prevented through the incorporation of public firms and thus market breakdown can be avoided. Co-ordination hazards are mainly prominent in the presence of huge and non-uniform groups of capable beneficiaries, anonymous shared concerns, high initial expense of synchronization, or, no inducement or mechanisms placed to defeat the problem of free rider.   Intervention for social fairness or equity causations are dependent on subjective verdicts and judgments made by democratically legally obligated politicians, still a market breakdown framework should be utilized by informing decisions and ensuring the desired effect is acquired in the b est effective way.    In the replica of a segment of flats, beneficial co-operation are held within a  parametrically small group having the same benefit, i.e., the advantages are non offensive. It is a Representation of an admixed public good. Persons and firms possibly accede to defeat market crashes where:   †¢ the capable beneficiaries are somewhat a not so large group and so the effort conceding and adjusting is low.   †¢ The probable beneficiaries are unvarying group5 and that is why the advantages are esteemed equally.   †¢ Although some assignees will have a ‘free ride’ on others investments   the confidential advantages of the considerate activities are supposed to be larger than the confidential expenses of consignment / adjustment.   †¢ There are lures or mechanisms for overcoming free riding. Top of Form Bottom of Form For other consequences, such as huge and non-uniform groups of expected beneficiaries, there is possibly an affair for civil interruption to encourage, authorize or speed the co-operation. Public interruption might include:   †¢ relieving few risks to the private abettors of initial expense of adjustment.   †¢ Mechanisms for administering collective verdicts to defeat the problem of free rider.   †¢ Mechanisms for persons with shared concernment to search for one another. As an example, promoting tourism possibly requires public sector consignment because the capable successors are a big and heterogeneous assemblage with some bargains likely to be beneficial more than all the other – it is attainable that both hotel keepers and business owners would benefit as a result of increase in tourist to London although the benefits of the hoteliers possibly is greater.   Civil sector consignment may also become a necessity to react to the massive events which impact many people, like a natural disaster which can also cause temporary distresses to market. In cases lik e this, only the civil sector usually has the capacity of organizing and mobilizing a tactical reaction.  (Musgrave, 2004; Brown and Jackson, 1990). Why should the public sector intervene in the economy? Some goods as well as some services maintain few specific trends, which definitely tell us that in an open competitive market

Economies Of The Middle East. Essay Example for Free

Economies Of The Middle East. Essay According to the CIA world Fact Book Bahrain is located in the Middle East on the eastern side of Saudi Arabia. Bahrain’s climate is arid though characterized by hot and humid summers while the winters are pleasant. (CIA,2008). According to the Council for International Exchange of Scholars, Bahrain is an archipelago which is comprised of 33 islands and is sandwiched between the east coast of Saudi Arabia and the Qatar peninsula. Bahrain has an advantage in as far as tourism is concerned given her richness in geographical features like the sandy beaches as well as the coral reefs. It also has various museums, archeological sites and traditional markets which are all a plus to her competitiveness. Bahrain is also well known for her liberalistic tendencies in the Middle East region. (Council for International Exchange of Scholars). Being an Arab country, Islam is the most practiced religion although other religions which form less than 25% of the total population are allowed to take place. They include Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism as well as Judaism. In such a set up, where 85% of the total population is Muslim it is only natural that Arabic is the official language. However, English is used in the learning institutions as well as when conducting business. This paper will give an in depth analysis of Bahrain. The US department of State, Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs pointed out that in 2007 the population of Bahrain was 708,535 out of which a tune of 32% comprised of non nationals. Statistics of the same year also indicated that annual population growth rate was at 1. 39%. In accessing the composition of the Bahrain population by ethnic background it was established that Bahrainis recorded the largest proportion at 63%, Asians were next with 19% while the Arabs and Iranians were 10% and 8% respectively. The US department of State estimated that Islam is the religion observed by approximately 98% of the total population. It also estimated that other languages used in addition to English and Arabic included Farsi and Urdu. A unique characteristic of the education system in Bahrain is the fact that although it is not compulsory, it is offered for free at all levels. Estimates taken in the period 1991 to 2001 indicated that there was a high rate of school attendance at 84%. In the year 2003 it was established that the overall adult literacy levels for those aged 15 years and above stood at 89. 1% while the rate differed across the genders. (Bureau of Public Affairs, 2007). Males had a higher rate at 91. 9% while females registered a lower rate at 85%. Bahrain finances her citizen’s educational needs from incomes attained from her generous investment in oil reserves. The importance of the year 1920 in as far as the education of Bahrain cannot be underscored as it was at this time that the first public school which served both sexes was introduced. There are 2 universities or high learning institutions where people are able to improve their credibility levels in the job market. To cater for the health needs of her population there is a health science college which offers specified skills in the various medical fields like nursing, pharmacy. According to the 2007 statistics the infant mortality rate was at 16. 18 deaths/1000 live births while the life expectancy for males was 5 years lower than that of the females which was 77 years. Statistics from 2006 estimated that approximately 352,000 people formed the Bahrain labor or work force out of which a tune of 44% was foreigners. The US department of State also estimates that Bahrain is among the highly dense populated states and most of her population settled in the capital city Manama. A considerable percentage of Bahrain’s workforce is comprised of foreigners due to the ‘foreigner – friendly’ policies by the government. Although the naturalization process evokes contrasting views among the Bahraini’s it has seen approximately 10% of the total populations attain Bahraini nationality. Critics argue that the procedures or rather criteria applied could jeopardize the country’s security especially when foreigners previously working with sensitive departments like security are naturalized. There are 2 types of Muslims in the Bahrain state. About 2/3 of the people from the indigenous group are shi’a Muslims while prominent people in the society like the ruling family, numerous members of the government and the military as well as leaders in the state form the Sunni Muslim. (Bureau of Public Affairs, 2007). According to the CIA world fact book, the birth rate using 2008 estimates was 17. 26/1000 population while the death rate at the same year was at 4. 29deaths/1000 population. The rate of net migration was estimated to be 0. 4 migrants/1000 population. CIA also estimated that the sex ratios for the total population stood at 1. 25 males/females in 2008. 2008 estimates also had it that the total infant mortality rate was at 15. 64 deaths/1000 live births while that of females was at 12. 93 deaths/1000 live births. In 2006, the school life expectancy of both primary levels to tertiary education was 15 years though it varied across the genders with males recording a lower expectancy at 14 years while females lagged behind at 16 years. 2001 statistics indicated that approximately 86. 5% of the total population could read and write with males recording a higher rate at 88. 6% and females at 83. 6%. In 1991 the government spent approximately 3. 9% of the GDP to finance the education sector. (CIA,2008). The government in Bahrain is a constitutional monarchy with 5 administrative divisions namely Asamah, Janilyah, Muharraq, shamliyah and wasat. She attained her independence on the 15th of August 1971from the UK. In 2002, on the 14th of February she adopted a constitution that was to be followed. The laws consist of the English law but blended with the Islam laws. The universal suffrage is at 20 years meaning any one above that age has the right to vote. There are three branches of government, the executive, legislative as well as the judiciary. The executive is comprised of the King Hamad bin Isa al- Khalifa who took over in March 1999. the king is the chief of the Bahrain state. The Prime Minister Khalifa bin Salman al Khalifa is the head of government and he has held this position since 1971. The monarchy has the responsibility of appointing the cabinet and the prime minister too but the monarchy is hereditary. (CIA,2008). King Hamad Isa al- Khalifa succeeded his father who died in 1999 after being in power for approximately 38 years. King Hamad can be commended for various reforms in Bahrain especially his zest to introduce democracy by changing the current system that was purely a ‘hereditary emirate’ to a ‘constitutional monarchy’. (CIA,2008). His efforts precipitated to a referendum in 2001 for the National Action Charter which approximately 94. 8% of the Bahrain voters endorsed. Another significant act by King Hamad was setting free of most political detainees and prisoner most of whom had been exiled, detained or imprisoned from as early as in the 1970’s for posing ‘security threats’ to Bahrain. Kind Hamad did away with the state security law and court which made it possible to detain people for up to 3 years without trial. The constitutional reforms Hamad introduced saw to it that a bicameral parliament which had a representative from the lower house was operational. Another aspect different from what was initially the trend was the creation of an independent body which was to act as ‘watchdog’ over corruption allegations such as the embezzlement of public funds. This was a way of increasing accountability and transparency in the region. (Bureau of Public Affairs, 2007). Hamad’s efforts were however not without challenges as for instance there were protests against the provisions he enacted on the constitution from members of the Shi’a community. The 2002 election made a mark in the political history of Bahrain as it was at this time when the first woman was elected in parliament. The legislature branch comprises of the 40 member consultative council and the 40 member chamber of deputies. The election of the two councils is different in the sense that the former is elected by the kind while the latter is determined through a direct election. Elections are held after 4 years with the last one in 2006. The judicial system of Bahrain is comprised of a combination of courts adhering to the English laws as well as the Islamic laws or religious and tribal laws. Hamad also made significant reforms in the judiciary when he set a separate branch to over see it. The king’s son or crown prince is the head of the commander in chief of the state’s defense force and the king’s successor. (Bureau of Public Affairs, 2007). Democracy in Bahrain, however is limited to the fact that political parties are discouraged and this had been the case for many decades but with the rise of Hamad to power political societies were allowed to operate (CIA) According to the CIA world fact book Bahrain attracts foreign direct investment a factor that has made various multinational companies settle there and carry out business. This is to the country’s advantage economically. Similar to other gulf countries the role of petroleum in stirring economic growth and development cannot be underscored. It is estimated that petroleum products attribute to over 60% of her total exports which contribute to a tune of 70% of the total government revenues. The petroleum industries directly contribute to approximately 11% of the country’s GDP. Bahrain is also rich in aluminum which is the second largest export. (CIA, 2008). The US department of state noted that other natural resources in Bahrain included textiles, natural gas, fish and pearls. (Bureau of Public Affairs, 2007).

BMW Prototyping :: GCSE Business Marketing Coursework

BMW Prototyping It is 1990 and BMW (Bavarian Motor Works), along with other European Luxury car makers, is beginning to feel significant market pressure from the new Japanese entrents into the traditionally European market of Sport/Luxury cars. With new Marques like Lexus, Infinity, and Acura, the large Japanese auto makers are attacking the lucrative market of auto companies like Audi, Jaguar, Mercedes, and BMW. The new Japanese makes have been able to establish a market presence by offering a lower price for the same level of content and by raising the bar on metrics like build quality and customer complaints per vehicle. BMW must act to counter the threat that these new makes pose to their market share. Top officials of BMW are meeting to set the future of the company’s prototyping activities. The prototyping and product development process is one of many aspects that will need to change if the company is going to adapt to the new global Sport/Luxury car maket In the post-war era, the Sport/Luxury car market had been dominated by the European auto makers. Up till now these auto makers have only had to compete against each other. In this market BMW’s strategy was well defined and successful. They built automobiles that were always on the leading edge of technology and offered a level of design refinement that was matched by only a few. This formula allowed them to command a price premium and, as the demand from North America increased, BMW became very sucessfull. According to the Harvard case study, BMW production of automobiles increased from 150,000 cars in 1970 to over 500,000 cars in 1990. Technological content and level of refinement are the factors that drive the demand for BMW automobles in the marketplace. BMW’s reputation for posessing a high level of technology reaches the potential buyer through the automotive press. Articles on the technical innovation of BMW automobiles and glowing reviews of new BMW products are the best form of advertising the company could posess. BMWs are purchased by enthusiasts and these enthusiasts read the automotive press. The new Japanese makes have been able to usurp some of the space in these publications from BMW by introducing new features and technology updates on a more continuous basis. BMW buyers also make their choice based on the level of refinement in these automobiles.